LMF Marshmallow Fondant Recipe

A lot of people have been asking me how I make my marshmallow fondant so here it is! My secret recipe revealed. If you've ever made marshmallow fondant and hated the results, or if you hate the taste of store bought fondant, you'll understand why this recipe works so well.YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJCUy3ezRxE

Servings

Prep Time

4.25pounds

5minutes

Cook Time

25minutes

Servings

Prep Time

4.25pounds

5minutes

Cook Time

25minutes

LMF Marshmallow Fondant

A lot of people have been asking me how I make my marshmallow fondant so here it is! My secret recipe revealed. If you've ever made marshmallow fondant and hated the results, or if you hate the taste of store bought fondant, you'll understand why this recipe works so well.YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJCUy3ezRxE

Take the soft mixture out of the bowl and put it into the bowl with the rest of the powdered sugar.

Warm the Wilton fondant in the microwave for 40 seconds and add to bowl with powered sugar and marshmallow mix.

Knead until powdered sugar, marshmallows, and Wilton fondant is mostly incorporated. You may not use all of the powdered sugar depending on your climate and that is ok.

Pull fondant like taffy until it is stretchy and smooth.

Store in a zip-lock bag for months at room temperature. Re-heat and knead well until stretchy before each use. You can add color as desired but for dark colors, you should add them during the mixing process or you could get a sticky mess.

<h3>About the Recipe</h3>
I’ve been making cakes for almost 4 years now and there are a few things I have learned in that time:

Fondant is expensive

I never have enough time to run to the store

I can’t afford to do things over

Store-bought fondant tastes terrible

One of the first things I focused on as a cake decorator is my fondant skills. I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to specialize in fondant cakes but the fondant I was using at the time (Wilton) was NOT cutting it for me. Now I know plenty of cake decorators that use Wilton fondant exclusively and works great for them.

The cost to make 4.25 lbs of LMF fondant costs you about $5. Considering 5 lbs of wilton fondant costs you at least $20 and is considered the cheap stuff, I would say it’s quite the deal.

I unfortunately, am not one of them. I find the taste to be, well, tasteless. The fondant hardens to the point that you would sooner peel it off your cake than consider eating it. To me, this is a problem. I wanted my cakes to be as delicious as they are beautiful and I could not achieve that with store-bought fondant. I began experimenting with various homemade fondant recipes of varying degree. None really turned out the way I wanted them to be (or how I thought they should be) but I eventually came upon a fairly easy recipe that I thought tasted amazing. The only problem was it tended to tear easier than I wanted and was a bit too soft. At the time, I was desperate for fondant and had no time to run to the store so I added what I now call my secret ingredient. The fondant worked so well I have never bothered searching for another recipe. Happy accidents are amazing aren’t they?

The cost to make 4.25 lbs of LMF fondant costs you about $5. Considering 5 lbs of wilton fondant costs you at least $20 and is considered the cheap stuff, I would say it’s quite the deal. Another plus side to this fondant is it is extremely flexible so you can roll it out very thin. Not only does it meld perfectly with the buttercream but it stays nice and soft so you barely realize it is there. I usually heat my fondant up before working with it and it actually makes it perform better!

I hope this marshmallow fondant recipe changes your mind about what fondant has to taste like.

<h3>What People are Saying About LMF Fondant</h3>
“I had always wondered why someone would choose to make their own fondant when there was such an array of options to purchase. Those people must be flush with more time than money or sense!The fact is, fondant IS expensive. During the holidays when I was the one who had more time than money, such is the season, I decided to try this secret recipe. It came together extremely well to my surprise. When I started working with it I noticed it was missing so much that I had come to expect from commercially-made fondant! Where were my rips? Where was the elephant skin? I paid for elephant skin!! This must have been a fluke, surely. I needed to try a second batch to confirm.This time I rolled it out and picked it up with my hands! My hands! Again, no tears. (look Ma, no tears!)I realized, the apocalypse must be nigh (again), because I am now one of those people who make their own fondant. BAM! Thank you Liz!”
-<strong>Debbie G. from Debbie Does Cakes</strong>
Rating: 5 stars, reviewed Jan 1, 2011.

“YES YES and YES… I found this a few weeks back and I can’t stop using it even if you tried to make me. It is AWESOME! I made one batch and with the ability to roll it sooo thin without tearing I was able to cover 3 6″ rounds, 1 8″ square, and 1 10″ round plus most of the decorations!! The way it covered my cakes was wonderful. It glides on so smooth, and paper thin. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to get a crisp fondant cover. My clients love the taste. It doesn’t have the strange stiff rubber texture you find with a lot of pre-made fondants. And I have tried for years to find a recipe as simple yet delicious as this one. THANK YOU!!”
-<strong>Jennifer Everett</strong>
Rating: 5 stars, reviewed Feb 8, 2011.

“I have only used fondant once in the past (regular fondant) and it was such a pain for me I vowed never again. Then I saw your video on your recipe and I just used it for the first time tonight and I love it!! Thank you so much for sharing it! I will be using it alot. The kids all had to taste it and they all said yummmmm”
-<strong>Lanette Dunham Smeltzer</strong>
Rating: 5 stars, reviewed Oct 15, 2012.

“Elizabeth, number 1, thank you for being pretty much a godsend for sharing all that you share. I’m not sure of many people share what you do & that is one of the sweetest things in the world. You’ve not only helped me feel more confident in my work but my business is going better. This tutorial & recipe changed the way I look at home made fondant. I hated it before. It was too sweet without the elasticity & coverage that I really needed. Your recipe has allowed me to make figures, cover cakes and very very thin ruffles for cakes. The taste can not be compared to any that I’ve had before & it’s easy to color & flavor if my client wants to flavor the fondant, like strawberry or almond to go along with their cakes. I owe you a very large THANK YOU for this recipe & sharing it. I love it & will not go back to anything else. Thank you for taking an active roll in the Cake Community & for allowing you to be part of my growth, not only as a business but as an individual.”
-<strong>Heather Chitty</strong>
Rating: 5 stars, reviewed Nov 29, 2010.

Hi Liz
I am planning to make a cake for my son’s third birthday party. This will be my first time ever with Fondant. I have been playing with play-doh to practice molding little trains Would you recommend I use this recipe or just work with Wilton fondant. Is LMF fondant easier to work with for a newbie?

Yvonne Prasad

Wilton fondant is very expensive in Australia. Can we use Bakels?

Beth Kemp-Clavenna

Can you use the Cake Boss fondant instead of the Wilton brand?

Beth Kemp-Clavenna

I’m doing my first ever wedding cake this September and the bride wants chocolate cake. Will this fondant cover chocolate cake without it showing through the fondant.

Ms jerlady

I have had this problem for awhile and am getting so frustrated that I thought I’d ask for help. I live in a humid environment (KS) and always have more trouble in warmer weather with my fondant.

Lately it has been very porous and “crumbly” looking, for lack of a better word. I notice that it is more of a problem when it it humid and I also notice that adding color makes it worse as well.

I have used your fondant recipe (liz marek) and use Americolor gel (as most of my batches are smaller I color after it has already been made.

This is how it looks….No matter how much I knead. Any suggestions on how to fix /prevent would be most appreciated…

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

adding too much color to fondant “breaks” it and that is why you get those pock marks. I would suggest making your colored batches as described in my recipes section either red or black when you have to add a lot of color

Tonya Porter

I love this recipe and it is the only thing I use but I can’t get really white fondant. What do you do to get white white fondant?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

It depends on the marshmallows you use. Try a different brand

Grammi’s Sweets

I always add some Americolor white into mixer or when you knead by hand. It helps make colors more true. LOVE THIS RECIPE. Never fail for me.

Tonya Porter

thanks for this tip

GemmA

How long will it last and how can you store it

Mickeebabe

I’m a hobby baker and just need a small batch for making a few decorations here and there. Can I half this recipe and still get great results? And if so, how much Wilton fondant would I use? Does this take color well after it’s been made? Did you grease your plastic bowl that you melted your marshmallows in?

Thanks so much for your help. Can’t wait to try this recipe.

primus76

Hi. I’m in the same boat. I need to only cover one 8″ 2 layer cake and that takes about 1.5 lbs of normal fondant.

Did you try halving it?

I got the 1.5 lb box of Wilton and will cut it in half and half everything else.

I made normal MMF before with the exact same recipe except the shortening and Wilton. It worked OK but was sticky and harder to work with. Hoping this gives me the best of both worlds.

Ana Ramirez

Hi, i would like to know for how long this fondant would be good to use. . Thanks?

Jordan

Hi, Liz! I’m making my fiance a birthday cake and need to make fur. I’ll be using the walnut clay extruder. Have you used this with an extruder? Should I expect any complications? Thanks!

JackC1128

Hi Liz,

Can you use butter instead of shortening? Thanks!

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

I have not used butter so I can’t say if it will work or not

JackC1128

Well i will try it and let you know

Kelli Tripodi

Did it work?

JackC1128

It sure did

Debbie

I’m so glad I found your recipe! It will save me a lot of money! I have a quick question, the video shows you using 1/2 of a 5# box of fondant, but the written recipe says 1.25#’s. Is that the difference in using the old fondant in the video vs the newer fondant in the written recipe?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

It doesn’t have to be exact, just use 1/2 of one of the packages in a 5 lb box. It will be close enough

Nutella

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This was my first time working with fondant and I was so happy to find a way to make it taste good. I used it to cover a cake and to sculpt a topper. It came out beautifully.

Padma

woow! That is beautiful!!! Did you make red fondant by adding red color to marshmallows or afterwards in the fondant?

Irene

Love the recipe…it’s the only one I use! Can you tell me what you would add to make this a chocolate fondant? Thank you!

Danielle

If you add the fondant to the cake while fondant is still warm, will it retract any?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

not that I have ever noticed

Taylor Laflash

Where do you get the Wilton fondant?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

you can purchase it at michaels, walmart, joanns, hobby lobby, and cake decorating stores.

VinnyEC

Okay I admit it was a bit skeptical, but OMG. This fondant is amaze craze, Thank you.

Rachel Turner

Can I use a hand mixer instead of the big stand mixer? Also if I need just a small amount of fondant in a certain color, can I add color later on in the process?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Yes and yes

Mary

Love this! Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to try. Curious, can I get the same results by hand mixing instead of using the dough mixer?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

It depends on how strong your arms are but yes, some people do this by hand

kl

I usually dont make comments etc, but i have to for this.
This recipe and this video has been heaven sent! Thank you elizabeth marek for being so generous in sharing this amazing secret recipe.
I have now made it twice, each time with absolutely no trouble whatsoever, the process for me was as smooth as ur video. Infact i actually make it at the same time as i watch it.
What a difference this has made in my little cake business from home, in both taste of fondant, ease to work with, and of course the $$$ in savings. I hated and cringed when i knew i had a order that required fondant, praying and begging my lucky stars that the store bought fondant i bought would not cause any major problems.
(I am definitely an amateur fondant ‘user’ to say the least, but i am improving as time goes on, but still in no way a pro)
Absolutely love this and will NEVER try anything else again!!

(Incase this note helps anyone out there with different brands of marshmallows to use — i used kroger both times and worked well, no problems)

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

so glad to hear it!

Uliana

Hey Liz!
Loved your video. I have a question. I’m only trying to make 1 pound of the fondant. How would I convert all the measurements to that?
Thx, Uliana

marjorie

ok thanks liz I just want to know because I see different recipe asking for it

Margoth Osorio

I like this recipe, thanks. Please give me the recipe in grams?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

You can convert the recipe yourself with an online calculator if you need grams

marjorie

can you put glycerin in the marshmallow fondant recipe to make it more pliable?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

This recipe does not need that

Lauren Cortesi

Hi Liz,

Would it be fine to use Satin Ice instead of Wilton?

thanks,

Lauren

Lauren Cortesi

Hi Liz,

Can I use Satin Ice or does it need to be Wilton?

Thank you!!

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Yes you can!

Samantha Hill Hefner

I’ve made your LMF and LOVE it. Came out perfect the first time. Question about black… I watched the video….what would adding Wilton’s premade black instead of white do ?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Nothing really, it’s not necessary to use. If you have it on hand you can use it but it just adds expense to the recipe.

Kelly Hundertmark

Hi Liz… First of all, I’d like to thank you as you have taught me so much. I’ve made pepperoni cake and modelling chocolate from your tutorials and now I’m going to try my hand at this. Here is my question, at the moment I don’t have a kitchen aid mixer. I have a Hamilton beach mixer but it does have the dough hook. Will that work okay or should I just try it by hand?

Lina OS

Same question here. Should I just try it by hand?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

yes you can make it by hand, start with a bowl and spoon and work those muscles

Marie Johnson

Liz, can you do a tutorial on Marshmallow Cocoa Fondant. PLEASE. I am new to you and just discovered you yesterday but your teaching is terrific. God Bless.

Cass

Hi Liz. I am in Australia and we can get the Campfire brand marshmellows occassionally, only problem is we can only get regular size, not mini. I made a batch the other day but the marshmellows didnt seem to melt like yours did, rather they went stringy. I only made a half batch but the mixture seemed very dry from the beginning when adding the sugar to the mixture. Do u think it may be because of the larger marshmellows?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

yes it is from the larger marshmallows. sorry

Anna

Hi Liz
I am beginner in baking and I was wondering if I make the fondant and use it the next day And how should I keep it, rum tempeture/ fridge? I live in europe any tip for ingredients for making fondant? THANKS love your recipe

mike

Hi,
When I tried to make this fondant it remained sticky and never got stretchy when I needed it, it kept cracking. Do you have any idea what I may have done wrong? Also if using this on cake dummies for display will it harden when dry?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Sounds like you did not knead it enough or your ingredients where different than mine. Looks like you are in the UK. Marshmallows there are not the same as here. yes it will harden eventually. I use it all the time for dummies

mike

Hi, thanks for the quick response. I kneaded for more than 10 mins and it didn’t change. I did think that but continued to knead to no improvement. Do you know the ingredients in your marshmallow ? Or a brand I could get in the uk?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

I Heard that the brand aldi does really well

Annette

Hi! Thank you for this recipe! I am using this for a third cake and love it!! So far has worked perfectly for a wedding cake, graduation cake and Sweet 16 cake. Everyone loves the taste also!

Marina Salfetnikova

Hi liz ,
So I’m russian and the cakes we make have very soft creams. Generally
Butter heavy whip and condesned milk. It usually will be soft What would your recommend for crumb frosting the cake so that fondant will be nice and smooth even at room temp when filling gets softer.
Marina

Kathy Marshall

HOW DO SUBSTITUTE THE WILTON FONDANT

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

any commercial fondant will work like satin ice

rica david

Hi Liz. When is the best time to cover a cake, room temp or chilled? Thanks

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

chilled, otherwise your buttercream will be soft and you’ll get bulges

rica david

How about the sweat issue when covering chilled cake?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

a little sweating does not hurt the cake coming out of a fridge. Work in a chilled room. If its very humid work with a fan on you.

rica david

So you think when a chilled cake is being covered with fondant will no longer get soft and get bulges once cake comes to room temp?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

I’m just going by my own experiences

allie

Do you have a recommendation for making grey fondant? I am making a pink and grey elephant themed cake for a baby shower and I wasn’t sure about making grey fondant. I have read a few things online but hesitant tontry with your recipe..please help!

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

to make grey you just add a little black to the white. If it has a purple tint then add a bit of yellow to counteract it. If it has a green tint add a little red.

allie

Thank you so much! I am sorry I didn’t see your first reply. Which brand do have a preference for? Americolor or Wilton? I have both..I was also curious of you mixed some black and white coloring together first to make grey and then add it to the marshmallows would that work?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Mixing black and white together and then adding it to white fondant is counter-productive. The fondant is already white so you only need to add the black.

allie

Thanks so much for your help! Do you like using Wilton gel or the Americolor? I have both..

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

I prefer americolor

allie

How long do you usually chill your cakes with the buttercream covering before putting on your fondant? Can I refrigerate the completed cake over night with the fondant and transported the cake the next morning?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

yep that is what I do

allie

Help! Is there anything I can do to save my grey fondant..it is stretchy but dry, I have never had this problem before. Ps. the color came out great thanks for the tips

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Knead in some shortening

allie

Have you ever made grey fondant? I am making a pink and grey elephant themed cake for a baby shower..I am hoping for some good suggestions. I love using your recipe on my cakes!

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Grey either has a purple or a green tint. To make a true grey you need to counteract the tint. For green tint, add a tiny bit of red. For purple tint, add a tiny bit of yellow. Thanks!

Sophiavw

Hi Liz, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! I’ve just made the recipe, and WOW! I’m so happy with the result. I’m in South Africa, and since we do not get half the brands here, I was sure this was going to be one BIG mess. But luckily, not! It turned out great, and it tastes 150% better than any shop bought fondant. I do however have 2 questions… First- I have the elasticity, and it’s come together quite nicely, but it remains a bit sticky (tacky is a better description).. I don’t want to add much more powdered sugar, as I’m scared it will be too dry. Does it stay quite sticky normally?? Then- can I mix this type of fondant with Modelling chocolate? Will it work? Again, a THOUSAND THANK YOU’s! Love your work (btw)!

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

if it’s a bit tacky, just work in a bit of shortening until it feels smooth. yes you can combine with modeling chocolate glad you enjoy it!

Grammi’s Sweets

I only recently discovered adding Modeling Chocolate to MMF and it it wonderful. I needed black and adding dark choc MC made the steps getting to black much easier. It also tastes amazing.
Tomorrow I am using white MC.

Nancy Onyett, FNP-C

I tried to do a dark blue for fourth of July and it turned out to be royal blue color any suggestions?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Add black

Dinah Pezone

Hi, how can i make this in black. worried it might turn out grey…when adding the ready made fondant can i use a pre-coloured one as well as some black food colouring gel

Hi, I would like to majevthis, but the shortening is 5 cups? Thank you

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

The shortening is not 5 cups its half a cup. .5

judy

Hi love this recipe. Thanks. My question is I have air bubbles do u know why?

Debbie MacDonald

Hi Liz,
I see in the vid that you’re using the OLD formula of Wilton ROLLED fondant. Does this recipe work with the new Wilton “decorator preferred”, as well?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Yes the written recipe has been adjusted for the new wilton

Donna Lisa

Hi Liz
Help I just attempted to make LMF.
I followed your video step by step and mine never got smooth and soft in mixer.
It seemed dry even after adding fondant.

I tried kneading it and stretching but it looked dry and broke apart. Not elastic like yours.
What can I do to fix this to use now? I need it for my first birthday cake

Thanks
Donna

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

did you add too much powdered sugar to the first part of mixing

Donna Lisa

Hello Liz
Thanks for the reply. I think you are awesome luv your work.
So I Found my error. I was doubling receipe. Doubled all except marshmallow water and Wilton fondant. Lol
Do you think I can salvage it by adding the rest and how would you suggest

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Possibly if you leave out what you doubled in the last recipe and work it all together but I dont know for sure

catr7113

Hi mine came out super sticky is there anything I can do to salvage it lol thanks!!
Cathy

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Knead in a bit more powdered sugar and let it rest over night

catr7113

Thank you!!!!!

Nicole YovilleAddict

Do you have to use an electric mixer or is there another way of doing it?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

You can do it in a bowl with a spoon and then by hand but it might not turn out as good

Gin Di Battista

Do you find that you are able to make any decorations using this fondant, or do you use a different recipe or brand?

Also, do you have any trouble attaching decorations to this fondant, such as having it sag under the weight if something is attached to the side of the cake?

Thanks for the awesome tutorials and the recipe.

Veronica

I’m wondering this same thing….

Sara

I am hoping to use this fondant on a cake today, but I need to attach fondant diamond shapes to the outside of the cake, but I’m afraid they wont stick because the fondant is so soft. What do you think?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Fondant sticks to fondant no problem with just a little water. If you want the diamonds to be easier to handle, add a little tylose powder or mix with a little gumpaste and cut them out and let dry a few hours before attaching to the cake.

Dawn Sisson

When I tried mine it looked great! However after rolling it out and lifting it, it kept stretching and falling all over the place. I got it on the cake but it would not hold any shape and stay together. What happened? Too much marshmallow??

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

Its hard to say since I am not there and didnt see you make the fondant. What marshmallows did you use, did you follow the directions exactly when mixing? Did you add all the sugar? How much water did you add?

Catherine Graham

We can’t get bulk white marshmallows here in New Zealand so I wondered if it could be made with homemade marshmallow? If yes, would you have to let it set and then chop up or could you use it before it sets?

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

not sure on that one, sounds like you have an experiment on your hands

Masuma Tabassum

Hi Liz

I need urgent help plz!

I tried my hand at marshmallow fondant 1st time today & disaster When I tried to melt the marshmallows (Campfire brand, pic attached) in microwave in 30 sec bursts, it slowly turned into a light brown & very sticky, stretchy mess (pic attached – after I added about 1/2 c icing sugar to the mess). The expiration date is ok.

Could you plz tell me what went wrong? TIA

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

You burned the marshmallows. Heat only until they are melted, maybe your microwave is hotter than mine.

Masuma Tabassum

Thanx Liz Will try again…

http://www.artisancakecompany.com/ Elizabeth Marek

I just noticed you are using full-sized marshmallows which do not melt like the mini marshmallows. You really need to use the minis for success

AuNaturelMel

I’m all thumbs when it comes to fondant. Yours looks beautiful, though. Mel at mothersheeporganics

Susana

Curious to know if you have tried this without adding the wilton fondant and only the Crisco? If so how well did it or did not work. Thank you for the great video and recipe!